Chapter 31: Errors and Lessons.
They sat down again and listened to the old wolf.
"You guys fought quite well, but only against weaklings. Only the girl Airi knows everything because she was taught before."
The old wolf held out 2 fingers toward Kazuka and Takeshi.
"I will analyze you two first."
"First, you still often move with a large source of energy radiating outward. This is a no-go and makes your position very easy to detect."
"Earlier, Takeshi was behind Kazuka with too much energy while moving, leading to Kazuka sensing it easily and reacting in time. Right, Kazuka?"
Kazuka nodded in agreement.
"Right, earlier I didn't know Takeshi's position, but I felt his energy right behind."
"In combat, being detected during high-speed attacks is usually quite difficult. But it will definitely be detected; the important thing is sooner or later. And as you know, being detected just a bit late can lead to death."
"You need to change. One way is to reduce the energy radiating out when moving, but it will make your attacks weaker. Assassins use this a lot; they assassinate with one blow and do not fight head-on. But you shouldn't use it; if there's an opening, just one blow from the enemy is enough to kill you, because you've reduced almost all energy to move without detection, so there's nothing to protect you. Generally, I don't encourage it."
"As for the second way, this requires more skill. You will only concentrate a little energy as a guide, and when rushing at the enemy, during the swing of the weapon, you release the energy."
"Keep the energy for self-protection, don't release it, otherwise it becomes the first way. Let me summarize, generally just keep energy to protect the body, but not the weapon; only after closing in and the opponent is in range do you push energy into the weapon."
"The swing will be very fast, and the energy you pour into the blow will depend on whether your energy gate is large or not."
"Generally, you'll be detected regardless, the important thing is sooner or later."
The old wolf sighed.
"You guys fight too fast, it's hard to observe."
"Ah, one more thing, this is very important."
"It seems you are quite confident in your strength; you should dodge attacks instead of blocking them, blocking is very risky, especially falling into the opponent's plan."
"You also seem to quite like jumping? And pouring all your strength into the blow. Jumping is not actually wrong, but you must know how to adjust properly. If you jump hard and rush in with full strength, it will cause stamina to decrease and especially if the opponent is smart, he can make you lose control."
"For example: the kid Kazuka rushes very fast with a full-strength blow, straight forward, but Takeshi reacts in time, instead of normal blocking or dodging, Takeshi can catch the incoming Kazuka, such as grabbing Kazuka's sword hand and slamming him to the ground. Generally, what I mean is being unable to control the jump force and when rushing, you only go straight and can't do anything else."
"Next, earlier it was clear, Airi went easy on you, but she was still hit once by Kazuka. As I said, you cannot know who is strong to be on guard."
"In short, do not hold back, regardless of who the opponent is, because the opponent might not be fighting for real and is just testing you. Airi was hit, so it's no longer holding back. She couldn't reflexively dodge that kick."
The old wolf rubbed his chin.
"How to say, the rain of swords was holding back because she didn't fire them at full speed, but the reflex was not. If that were a life-and-death match, Kazuka might not have survived that blow, but if he escaped, who knows how the match would end. Conclusion: Do not judge a book by its cover."
"Nothing left to say, you fight too fast, I could only observe a little."
Kazuka shouted: "Then what about the move Airi used on Takeshi? Say it!"
"Right, I forgot."
The old wolf coughed.
"That is called interference energy, this is very important in a battle."
"Imagine, the energy you are about to release is a still lake, but interference energy is a fish underwater wagging its tail, making the surface no longer still, or simply throwing a stone into the water."
"And that stone will create small ripples that spread throughout the lake. Thus the lake is no longer still."
"Interference energy is like that; instead of being released normally, it is very messy and entangled, following no specific rule."
"Earlier when Airi used that interference blow on you, how did you feel, Takeshi?"
Takeshi bowed his head and looked at his palms. The others also directed their gaze at him.
"It's very hard to say, like my energy was being disrupted and my body felt quite uncomfortable; at that time I wanted to use energy to heal, but when directing the energy, sometimes as it approached the wound it would radiate out or go elsewhere. Roughly, I couldn't control it."
"Alright, let me explain. Airi used that blow with the purpose of disrupting your energy. When it enters your body, it will collide with your stable energy source. The proper way to handle it is to mobilize energy from places not yet hit by interference energy and push that interference energy out."
"Generally, this makes it hard for you to control energy. Let me give an example: Takeshi is hit by interference energy but still tries to unleash a blow to counterattack. But it is useless when uncontrolled. An attack might be released, but it might vanish or veer off while flying."
"As for why Takeshi feels uncomfortable, it's because that's energy from another race and you haven't been attacked by another race's energy before."
"Interference strikes are not just to make the opponent waste time pushing energy out and create counterattack opportunities. It is often called a 'suspicious blow'."
"It's often used to detonate an opponent's attack and block schemes, such as a pincer attack."
"Let me give another example to make it easy. Takeshi and Kazuka face off, both unleash an energy slash toward each other, but Takeshi suspects Kazuka might circle behind him right when the two slashes collide and emit a bright light making it hard to see. So as they are about to unleash, Takeshi uses chaotic energy in his slash and will utilize the explosion as a shield and attack Kazuka."
"Normally two slashes will struggle against each other, usually until the energy vanishes. But when they collide, they will explode. The reason is simple, Kazuka's slash is stable and Takeshi's is unstable, and upon collision, the energy just explodes."
"But when using it, you must use only a bit of chaos, otherwise it will be hard to control your own blow."
"Or there is another way to use this, which is using one's own stable energy to collide with one's own unstable energy and create an explosion; in some battles, it's often used before death, simply because one doesn't want to be captured. However, that's only when certain of death."
"In reality, there is another way, this is quite complicated. First, divide energy into three parts at the moment of release: the first part is a dense energy layer to protect oneself, and outside that protective layer will be those two different energy sources."
"When combined, it will create a large energy explosion while you survive. Because you used energy to protect yourself, while the other two explode outside; you are protected and fine."
Kazuka and Takeshi sat listening with surprise. Takeshi spoke first with admiration.
"I didn't expect it to be so diverse."
"Quite surprising."
"But since it's so strong, why is it rarely used in battle, do you know why?"
Both shook their heads, not knowing.
"That's because using chaotic energy usually requires focus, and if you lose focus you'll cause your own body to become disrupted while creating it. Earlier Airi created that chaotic energy while inside her defensive move."
Airi nodded.
"Yes, in continuous combat it's usually very hard to create an interference blow; I took advantage of the time I wasn't being attacked while inside to create it."
"Right, it's very hard to create because it needs focus, and if you are careless, the opponent will attack immediately or even land a fatal blow. Therefore, focus and reflexes are very necessary in combat. Sometimes in some fights, not using it is fine, but the moment you use it is the moment you have an opening and lose your life."
"Therefore, consider carefully before using, otherwise, you understand."
Kazuka was still sitting there, but his voice sounded annoyed.
"But we haven't been taught yet?"
The old wolf sighed again.
"Brat, do you want to keep arguing with me? But this time I am calm."
The old wolf went silent as if thinking something.
—"Damned brat, says he wants to listen but after hearing he says that. No wonder I always hate kids, extremely unpredictable."
The old wolf coughed.
"Alright, now I will show you, then get familiar with other races' energy too."
"Now you two hold out one hand; instead of letting energy go in a straight line, you need to make them go another way, for example: make them go in a circle or zigzag."
"And only use a little energy, okay? Then bring it outside along with normal energy, so they don't touch; if they touch, your body will be disrupted."
Kazuka was sitting, holding one hand out in front and observing; his hand was emitting blue energy. Suddenly his eyes widened, an uncontrollable feeling.
The old wolf and Airi watching opened their eyes wide in surprise. The old wolf quickly moved to Kazuka and struck him on the back of the neck, making him faint and fall backward. He sat down to observe.
"This kid messed up, seems he couldn't control it and let chaotic energy touch normal energy."
Airi came over and nodded in agreement.
"Seems so."
Takeshi right beside him also had a similar phenomenon. Airi felt his abnormal energy, turned, and swung her hand to strike his neck. Takeshi also fainted, failing his first attempt just like Kazuka. The old wolf glanced at Takeshi.
"Seems like both of them cannot learn this early; their energy control ability is not yet there."
"That's certain; in the past, it took me two months to learn how to control that chaotic energy. At that time over 30 servants and healers were watching and guarding me to ensure nothing happened. Failing the first time is normal."
The old wolf went to where Takeshi lay; he placed a hand enveloped in energy onto the boy's body. After a while, he stood up.
"I helped them resolve the chaotic energy, let's take them back."
Night fell; on the ground around the fire were chicken bones; it seemed they had just finished dinner. The red fire flickered in the dark night.
Kazuka was chasing a large tiger; its face clearly showed fear.
"Stop, I'm not full yet!"
Takeshi and Airi were sitting by the fire; Airi had a bored face.
"Haizzz, so boring."
Takeshi leaned back on the log where he sat and looked up at the black sky; no twinkling stars or moon were visible.
"What to do now?"
Suddenly Raiga crawled over, it climbed onto Takeshi's leg and curled up; he looked at it with surprise.
"Raiga looks a bit bigger than before, right?"
Airi nodded.
"Yes, before it was smaller than a finger, now it's bigger than a thumb."
Kazuka ran over, panting continuously; Takeshi also turned.
"Just finished eating and you're running around, Kazuka?"
Kazuka sat in his seat and exhaled a heavy breath.
"But I still want to eat more, I let that tiger go."
Kazuka turned to Airi.
"Hey Airi, tell us about your family, I'm so curious about a vampire."
When Airi heard Kazuka speak, her face darkened.
"No, I don't want to tell."
Takeshi spoke: "Tell us, Airi, we need to understand each other; we've lived here half a year and still know nothing about each other, only training. We are friends, it's fine to share with us."
Kazuka nodded in agreement.
"Right."
Airi seemed enlightened, but her voice dropped as she spoke, as if not wanting to mention it ever again.
"I am the princess of the Vampire race."
Takeshi and Kazuka opened their eyes wide with surprise. Kazuka went "woahh."
"No wonder you're so strong."
Airi smiled and let out a small sound but still kept her head down.
"I am the 15th child of the Vampire King; it is divided into two main branches. Children from 10 and below are the first generation, while children from 10 onwards are called the younger siblings. I am the strongest among the younger siblings. And was called the genius princess."
"To be honest, I'm not proud of it at all."
"Actually, I'm not that strong, but I'm the only vampire in 4000 years who can control Huyết xích (Blood Chains). But if saying that is normal, I was chosen by the sword left by the Progenitor Vampire; he was the one who established the vampire dynasty, but then suddenly disappeared and only left the sword. I am the only one who can hold it."
"Because of that, I was forced to train continuously until exhausted. I only saw my parents once a year."
Airi raised her head and gave a mocking smile.
"But do you know what my father said when I met him after a year?"
Airi looked down again at the burning fire. The scene shifted to an extremely luxurious and magnificent place.
13-year-old Airi was sitting on the ground, panting; suddenly a female servant ran in, her voice carrying urgency.
"Princess, the King has returned; he has summoned all the younger siblings for an audience."
Airi stood up in panic.
"Really? Bring me my clothes quickly."
In a corridor with sophisticated red patterns winding to the high ceiling, the walls were adorned with paintings and vases that seemed very expensive. Footsteps echoed everywhere.
The large door opened; far ahead sat a man majestically on a throne, his gaze directed at her. Below him, 14 other siblings from the younger group were kneeling and saluting the King, maintaining their posture and not daring to look up.
She entered the great hall as if the entire space stood still. Under the reflection of the crystal chandeliers, her silver-white dress sparkled as if woven from morning dew and moonlight, the long tail of the dress grazing the floor with each gentle step, soft as a breeze. The outermost thin fabric was meticulously hand-embroidered with tinsel, each pattern winding like birds spreading wings in the silent night sky.
The dress hugged her slim waist, punctuated by tiny pearls spread like dew drops on petals. Her long shiny hair was tied up neatly.
Airi lifted her dress and knelt in salute.
"Daughter Airi greets you, the Great King of the Crimson Moonlight, eternal in the sky."
His voice rang out, carrying absolute power.
"Stand up."
After that, all the children and Airi stood up. On the right row were 8 sons, on the left row 7 daughters. They all had beautiful outfits second to none.
"Airi!"
Hearing her name called, Airi stepped into the center and bowed her head to show respect. Her eyes held a hint of anticipation.
—"Father wants to ask something?"
"Have you mastered the blood chains and summoned that sword yet?"
Airi was surprised, her voice changed slightly.
"Yes... I haven't yet."
His voice carried a threat.
"3 years without progress, are you really serious?"
Airi knelt down in panic.
"Sire, I am very sorry, I will definitely try harder."
"How long do you want to keep me waiting?"
All the siblings standing on both sides whispered to each other with mocking laughter.
"Chosen but can't develop, truly useless."
"Useless thing, next sparring match, I will take you down."
"What genius princess? Useless princess."
Returning to the present, Airi began to cry, hot tears of resentment falling.
"I tried so much, but it just didn't get better; I had to wake up before sunrise and sleep at the cock's crow. There were even times I wasn't allowed to rest."
Seeing Airi cry, Kazuka and Takeshi ran close; Kazuka spoke with a worried voice.
"Hey, don't cry, you don't have to tell anymore if you don't want to, we're sorry for making you remember those things."
"Don't cry."
Airi quickly wiped her tears and shook her head.
"It's okay, you guys also need to know."
On the sparring ground, Airi lay on the ground, her body covered in scrapes; a younger sibling of Airi with pink hair and red eyes like any other vampire smirked, using a contemptuous voice, eyes looking down at Airi with disdain.
"Hmph, genius princess? Now I am the genius princess; you are truly weak, Airi, I think you've held that title in this family for too long."
Airi lay on the ground, her face darkened, hands clenched, biting her lip until it bled. The red energy source erupted violently. The younger sibling was shocked and backed away. Chains flew winding through the air. The overwhelming force terrified the sibling, who fell back.
She stood up, her eyes carrying anger.
"You are far from being my equal."
In the palace, Airi was kneeling on the ground before her father, her head bowed as low as possible.
"So you can control the blood chains now."
"Yes."
Airi's face was pressed to the ground, carrying anticipation for a compliment from her father.
"Took you long enough, truly a waste of my time waiting; quickly control that ancient sword, surely the blood chains aren't proficient yet, go train."
Airi was stunned, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Yes, Sire."
Returning to her room, Airi sat on the bed and wailed loudly, wiping her tears continuously. Butler Arata stood there comforting her.
"Princess, don't cry anymore, you've been crying for a long time."
"Why? I try so hard but don't get a single compliment. I only need one sentence."
"That is why I currently hate training; after that, I fled the family and ran to the forest, where I met Takeshi."
"I was too disgusted with that place, a place where siblings are not relatives but enemies. I had no one to be friends with; a sister who used to play with me stopped once people hailed me as a genius. My father didn't care; the only person I could talk to and relax with was Butler Arata. But he is old, how could he understand a child like me?"
"That's why I really want friends, want relatives, and when I met Takeshi and he invited me along, I considered it the first journey."
"I want friends and don't want anyone to turn their back on me; when that sister turned her back, I was alone doing everything, it was very lonely."
Kazuka encouraged Airi.
"It's okay, we are your friends, don't worry, we will be your friends forever, no matter what happens."
Takeshi nodded.
"We have always considered you a friend, rest assured."
Kazuka punched Takeshi's shoulder once. Kazuka held out his pinky, Takeshi did the same.
"Then let's promise, we will forever be friends, okay?"
Airi raised her head, saw Takeshi and Kazuka holding out their pinkies, and burst into a bright smile, her eyes becoming sparkling.
"You guys..."